Some restaurants are memorable for their dishes, others for their setting—but when a venue combines both? That’s culinary nirvana. Across the country, a new breed of dining destination is proving that a meal is more than what’s on the plate. These restaurants invite you to stay a little longer, sip a little slower and soak in the surrounds while enjoying standout seasonal fare.
From sun-drenched coastal decks to riverside gems and private island escapes, here are five exceptional venues where the views are just as impressive as the menus.
The Boat Shed – Cotton Tree, QLD
Nestled right on the Esplanade at Cotton Tree, The Boat Shed delivers an effortlessly chic coastal experience. The restaurant sits directly along the Maroochy River, offering a laid-back yet polished atmosphere where locals and visitors mingle over cocktails as the sun dips below the horizon. With its breezy outdoor deck, coastal-inspired design and friendly, unhurried service, it’s the type of spot that feels like a permanent holiday. Whether you're toasting with a spritz or grazing through share plates, the mood is unmistakably "relax and stay awhile.”
Seafood lovers will find their calling here. Start with half-shell scallops bathed in lemon myrtle and kaffir lime butter, or opt for beef tartare layered with umami-rich miso and silky egg yolk. The mains sing with local produce and bold flavours—braised pork belly comes dressed with creamy slaw and cucumber pickle on a lemongrass rice base, while the lamb backstrap is paired with fresh edamame and kang kong for a punchy, herbaceous hit. This is casual fine dining with a distinctly Sunshine Coast soul.
L’isle de France Terrigal – Terrigal, NSW
With panoramic views over the Pacific and a refined nod to French coastal elegance, L’isle de France in Terrigal is all about effortless sophistication. Positioned just above the waterline, the venue boasts a luminous dining room framed by floor-to-ceiling windows and a white-linen aesthetic that whispers timeless romance. Drawing influence from the Mauritian island it’s named after, the restaurant blends classical French technique with island-style creativity for a truly global take on French cuisine.
Here, flavour comes with flourish. Begin with veal tartare paired with smoky charred radicchio and beetroot purée, then move onto a show-stopping roasted duck breast glazed with honey and cinnamon, served with braised endive and a hit of citrusy orange gel. Or indulge in the roasted lobster tail—a celebration of opulence—elevated with Romesco purée and bisque emulsion. For something heartier, the 12-hour slow-cooked Wagyu Boeuf Bourguignon delivers deep comfort layered with carrot purée and Dutch carrots, every bite a slow-building crescendo of classic French flavour.
Terrigal Beach House – Terrigal, NSW
Beachfront dining rarely gets as fun and relaxed as Terrigal Beach House. Perched right under the Crowne Plaza, this contemporary beachside bar is where style meets sand, perfect for both daytime grazing and evening revelry. Light, airy and welcoming, the venue features coastal blonde timber finishes and wide open-air seating, ideal for catching sea breezes while sipping a cocktail or beer. Whether you're walking in straight from the sand or dressed for date night, there’s a seat and a vibe for every kind of diner.
The menu balances familiar crowd-pleasers with punchy upgrades. Salt and pepper squid arrives with green chilli mayo and tomato kasundi, while the standout scallop, prawn and crab linguine is a seafood lover’s dream. Fresh herbs, pistachio crumb and a Parmesan crisp elevate the dish, adding texture and layers of flavour. Their indulgent lobster dish, served with mornay sauce and offset by a zesty bacon and honey mustard-dressed potato salad, is a celebration of seaside luxury.
The Garden Bar & Kitchen – Frederickton, NSW
Tucked into the lush greenery of Frederickton on the Macleay River, The Garden Bar & Kitchen offers rustic charm with elevated flair. Set within the historic Old Cheese Factory, this riverside venue is as versatile as it is beautiful—catering to everything from lazy Sunday sessions to elegant private events. The warm interiors, with exposed beams and vintage accents, spill out into scenic alfresco spaces perfect for sipping a signature cocktail while taking in the sunset glow over the water.
The menu is proudly seasonal, showcasing local and regional ingredients with a refined touch. Kick off with pork belly bites glazed in sticky Korean BBQ sauce, or char-grilled King prawns swimming in garlic and chilli butter. The lamb rump arrives with a vibrant sweet potato purée and veal jus, while vegetarians are looked after too with the housemade gnocchi, served in a rich mushroom sauce and topped with golden pangritata for crunch. It's the kind of food that satisfies deeply without ever feeling heavy.
Rumi on Louth – Port Lincoln, SA
For those chasing an escape as much as a meal, Rumi on Louth delivers a dining experience like no other. Situated on private Louth Island just off Port Lincoln, Samphire—the restaurant within Rumi—is a sanctuary of modern design and wild island luxury. Think coastal interiors punctuated with cane furniture, polished concrete, and tropical greenery. It's intimate and atmospheric, where every corner offers a visual treat and the food competes with the view for your attention.
Here, the menu is a poetic blend of native ingredients and Mediterranean influence. Begin with squid skewers drizzled in zhoug and green oil—herbaceous, spicy and aromatic. For the main course, the duck breast comes seared to perfection, accompanied by sweet roasted beetroot and caramelised shallots for a balanced, earthy sweetness. Breakfast and lunch also impress, from whipped ricotta and poached eggs on bagels to wood-fired pizza topped with vongole and nduja. Every dish feels rooted in place—fresh, wild and unmistakably of the island.
A restaurant’s view might draw you in, but it’s the food that earns your return. Each of these venues pairs a captivating setting with a thoughtfully crafted menu—proof that you don’t have to choose between good scenery and great taste. Whether you're seeking a romantic riverside evening, a sunlit seafood feast or an island culinary escape, these restaurants offer the kind of experience that lingers long after the last bite.
